(TALLAHASSEE, FL.) - Tallahassee’s primary race is officially set for August 18, with early voting already available.
The four candidates are Lorrane Ausley, Michael Foust, Jeremy Matlow, and Daryl Parks.
Although August 18 is a primary election, the winner could be determined before November if a candidate earns more than 50% of the votes.
Early in the campaign season, both Lorrane Ausley and Daryl Parks had over $200,000 in campaign funds, whereas Michael Foust had less than $10,000. Not much has changed, with Ausley taking the lead with over $300,000 in funds. Foust still has less than $10,000, with $4,000 in personal contributions.
Photo Credit: Leon County
With voter turnout already at 17%, expect high civic participation on Tuesday, August 18. In 2022, only 33% of over 200,000 eligible voters cast a ballot.
2026 features a significantly smaller pool, with 182,806 eligible voters.
If you have not cast a vote yet, make sure to vote at your designated voting site. In order for your Election Day vote to count, you must vote at your assigned polling location, unlike the freedom given with early voting.
If you do not know your assigned precinct, call (850) 606-8683.
Although there are four candidates, there is a possibility that one candidate may gain 50% of the votes before the November 3 election.
Lorranne Ausley has experience as a former House Representative for District 9 (includes Leon County),
Jeremy Matlow is another popular candidate and has been an active City Commissioner since 2018.
As a representative, Ausley has served on the Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee, as well as the Commerce Committee.
As a former Mayor Pro-Tem and sitting commissioner, Matlow’s voting tendencies are public information, as well as his dismay with the current commission.
Photo Credit: TalGov
"What we don't have right now is a mayor that understands how to bring a collegial body together. We have a mayor that thinks a difference in opinion is a chance to score political points and make personal attacks against commissioners. We've seen that play out meeting after meeting," he says.
Matlow was unhappy in an interview with WFSU News, with his statement expressing frustration with not only the mayor, but the practices of the current commission.
The current commissioner has often expressed his dismay with the strong voting blocks and habits present, and hopes his mayoral campaign can turn the tides in his favor.
Not everyone agrees with Matlow, with some citing him as the source of controversy. During the Mayoral Debate in July, Ausley pointed at Matlow as a primary source of contention.
Photo Credit: Florida House
“I believe both Dailey and Matlow are to blame for where they are right now.”
Ausley responded to a panel question about who deserves blame for the poor relationship among commissioners.
Regardless of the outcome, the 3-2 voting controversies will likely be over. Mayor John Dailey frequently voted alongside Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox, to Matlow’s dismay.
As Dailey has forfeited his seat, the commission will gain at least one, if not two, new members. Although it is common for commissioners to cast similar votes, it is not common to be under such scrutiny for doing so.
Let us know your opinions on the current election cycle! If you have any questions or concerns, please comment and email me at jason.f@lead4earth.org.
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